New Restaurant Alert: Kappo Tatsu to Open Next to Tatsu in Dallas
After Japanese restaurant Tatsu won Dallas’ only Michelin star, its chef and co-owner plan to open a second restaurant next door called Kappo Tatsu. The new restaurant will offer an exciting and unique dining experience, with an “affordably priced omakase menu” that will mimic the kaiseki format, a multicourse Japanese dinner often noted for its beautiful plating.
Diners will find a more casual and relaxed atmosphere at Kappo Tatsu, with a focus on “less formal cuisine” where fish is not the focus. Chef Tatsuya Sekiguchi will add his own personal touch to the menu, which will include “nourishing courses.” The menu is expected to be less expensive than the $195-per-person tasting at Tatsu, making it more accessible to a wider range of customers.
Location and Size
Kappo Tatsu will be located in the former Tina’s Continental martini bar on the edge of Deep Ellum, one of Dallas’ smallest bars. The restaurant will have 20 seats, making it an intimate and exclusive dining experience. Tatsu Dallas and Kappo Tatsu, together, will be two of the smallest restaurants in the city, serving fewer than 40 people at a time.
The small size of the restaurant will allow for a more personalized and attentive service, with a focus on creating a unique and memorable experience for each customer. Reservations will be available on Tock, and it’s expected to be a popular spot, so booking in advance is recommended.
Michelin Star and Expansion
Given Tatsu’s status as Dallas-Fort Worth’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, the question arises whether the honor encouraged them to open a second restaurant. According to co-owner Matthew Ciccone, the Michelin star has given them the confidence to “dream a bit bigger” and expand their footprint in the city.
(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
The team had initially planned to keep the space as a bar, but the Michelin star has given them the opportunity to create something new and exciting. They will convert the kitchen into a more usable space for the chefs’ needs and add a bathroom to create a comfortable and functional dining area.
Menu and Drinks
The menu at Kappo Tatsu will be designed by chef Tatsuya Sekiguchi, who will be “heavily involved” in the restaurant’s menu and service. The focus will be on sake, including optional sake pairings to go with each course. The team hopes to create a unique and harmonious balance between food and drink, with a focus on nourishing and delicious cuisine.
(Elias Valverde II / Staff Photographer)
The team hopes to open the restaurant in fall or winter 2025, just in time for the second Michelin ceremony in Texas. Kappo Tatsu will be located at 3309 Elm St., Suite 115, in the Continental Gin building, next to Tatsu Dallas.
Conclusion
The opening of Kappo Tatsu is an exciting development in the Dallas dining scene, offering a new and unique experience for foodies and fans of Japanese cuisine. With its focus on nourishing courses, sake pairings, and intimate atmosphere, Kappo Tatsu is sure to be a popular destination for those looking for a special and memorable dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Kappo Tatsu?
A: Kappo Tatsu is a new Japanese restaurant opening next to Tatsu in Dallas, offering an affordably priced omakase menu and a focus on sake pairings.
Q: Who is the chef behind Kappo Tatsu?
A: Chef Tatsuya Sekiguchi will be heavily involved in the restaurant’s menu and service, with a focus on creating nourishing and delicious cuisine.
Q: When is Kappo Tatsu expected to open?
A: The team hopes to open the restaurant in fall or winter 2025, just in time for the second Michelin ceremony in Texas.
Q: How can I make a reservation at Kappo Tatsu?
A: Reservations will be available on Tock, and it’s recommended to book in advance due to the restaurant’s small size and expected popularity.
